Footwear
Personal protective equipment (PPE) footwear, also known as safety footwear, is designed to protect the feet from hazards in the workplace. It's essential for workers who are exposed to potentially dangerous situations, such as falling objects, sharp objects, electrical dangers, and slipping.
Safety footwear must meet or exceed the EN ISO 20345 safety standards, which cover a range of aspects including:
- Impact resistance: Protection against impacts of at least 200 joules
- Compression force: Protection against a compression force of 15 kN
- Toe cap: Minimum length, pressure, and bump impact resistance
- Upper: Water vapor permeability and water vapor number
- Outsole: Thickness and abrasion resistance
Safety footwear can also have additional features, such as steel toe caps, anti-penetration midsoles, and slip-resistant soles. Safety footwear can come in many forms, including shoes, trainers, and footwear made from recycled materials.
Safety footwear should be inspected for damage, such as holes, dirt, and buckles, every time it's worn